Puppies usually start losing their baby teeth around 12 to 16 weeks of age, and the process continues until about 6 to 7 months old. During this time, adult teeth replace the temporary teeth, and mild chewing, drooling, and gum sensitivity are common.
If your puppy seems uncomfortable, offer safe chew toys and keep an eye on the mouth. Most teething is normal, but retained baby teeth, swollen gums, or trouble eating can need veterinary attention.
What age do puppies lose teeth?
Puppies typically begin losing baby teeth at about 3 to 4 months old, and most have a full set of adult teeth by 6 to 7 months. The exact timing can vary with breed, size, and individual development, so some puppies finish a little earlier or later.
How the teething process usually happens
Puppies are born without visible teeth, and their first baby teeth come in during the early weeks of life. As the adult teeth grow, they push out the smaller deciduous teeth, which then fall out naturally.
Common teething stages
- 3 to 4 months: Baby teeth start loosening and falling out.
- 4 to 6 months: Adult incisors, canines, and premolars replace most baby teeth.
- 6 to 7 months: Most puppies have their adult teeth in place.
Some puppies lose teeth without you noticing because they swallow them or the teeth fall out during eating and play. Others leave tiny teeth on toys, bedding, or the floor.
What signs are normal when puppies lose teeth?
Most puppies show mild, temporary changes while teething. These signs are usually expected and improve as the adult teeth come in.
- Chewing more than usual
- Drooling a little more
- Small spots of blood on toys or chews
- Red or puffy gums
- Brief fussiness or mouth sensitivity
- Preference for softer food on some days
Teething should not make a puppy severely ill. If your puppy seems very painful, stops eating, or acts unusually tired, contact your veterinarian.
How to help a teething puppy safely
You can make teething easier by giving your puppy safe outlets for chewing and keeping the environment puppy-proofed. The goal is to soothe the mouth without encouraging destructive habits.
- Offer appropriate chew toys made for puppies or gentle chewers.
- Rotate toys so they stay interesting.
- Use soft, food-safe textures if your puppy’s gums are sore.
- Supervise chewing to prevent swallowing pieces.
- Redirect chewing from furniture, cords, and hands to approved items.
Avoid very hard objects that can crack baby teeth or damage emerging adult teeth, such as antlers, bones, rocks, and other extremely hard chews.
Food and treats during teething
Most puppies can keep eating their regular balanced puppy food. If chewing seems uncomfortable, you can soften kibble with a little water or offer a wet puppy food option if your veterinarian says it fits your puppy’s needs.
Do not rely on treats or human foods as a substitute for a complete puppy diet. Keep any extras small so you do not upset stomach balance or reduce appetite for proper meals.
When teething is normal and when it is not
Some mouth irritation is expected, but certain signs suggest a problem that should be checked by a veterinarian. This is especially important if the puppy is older than 7 months and still appears to be losing baby teeth.
Call your veterinarian if you notice
- Baby teeth that remain in place after adult teeth erupt
- Bad breath that is strong or worsening
- Bleeding that seems excessive or continues
- Swollen gums that do not improve
- Difficulty chewing or refusing food
- Loose teeth in a puppy older than expected
- Visible crowding or teeth growing in oddly
Seek urgent veterinary care if your puppy has
- Facial swelling
- Heavy bleeding from the mouth
- A broken tooth with pain or bleeding
- Sudden refusal to eat or drink
- Signs of severe pain, collapse, or extreme lethargy
These signs can point to injury, infection, or another dental issue that should not wait.
What are retained baby teeth?
Retained baby teeth happen when a puppy’s deciduous tooth does not fall out as the adult tooth comes in. This is more common in some individual dogs than others, and it can happen in any breed.
Retained teeth can create crowding, trap food, and increase the risk of dental disease later on. Your veterinarian may recommend monitoring, and in some cases, removal of the retained tooth during a dental procedure.
Why retained teeth matter
- They can interfere with normal bite alignment
- They may make cleaning harder
- They can increase plaque buildup
- They may irritate the gums or nearby teeth
If you see two teeth in the same spot, especially a baby tooth next to an adult tooth, ask your veterinarian to examine it.
Do all puppies lose teeth at the same age?
No. The general timeline is similar for most puppies, but the exact pace can vary. Smaller dogs may sometimes have more dental crowding, while larger puppies may appear to mature a bit faster or slower in different ways. Individual health and genetics also matter.
What matters most is whether the mouth is progressing normally. If your puppy is well past 7 months and still has obvious baby teeth, a veterinary exam is a good idea.
How to protect your puppy’s teeth during this stage
Good early dental habits can support lifelong oral health. Teething is a useful time to get your puppy comfortable with mouth handling and gentle care.
- Touch the lips and muzzle gently for short sessions
- Reward calm behavior with praise or small treats
- Introduce tooth brushing slowly when your veterinarian says it is appropriate
- Choose puppy-safe chews that do not splinter
- Schedule routine veterinary checkups
Keep sessions positive and brief. If your puppy resists mouth handling, go slowly and reward cooperation instead of forcing the issue.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many teething problems come from giving the wrong chew or assuming every mouth change is harmless. A few simple mistakes can make the process harder or risk injury.
- Giving very hard chews that can fracture teeth
- Letting puppies chew unsupervised on unsafe objects
- Ignoring persistent bad breath, swelling, or pain
- Pulling on loose teeth or trying to remove them yourself
- Using punishment for normal chewing behavior
Chewing is a normal developmental need. Redirecting to safe items works better than scolding, and it helps your puppy learn what is appropriate.
When to talk to your vet about dental development
A veterinary visit is helpful if you are unsure whether your puppy’s mouth looks normal. Your vet can check the eruption pattern, look for retained teeth, and assess whether your puppy’s bite is developing as expected.
Bring up dental concerns sooner if your puppy has trouble eating, seems painful, or has a history of mouth trauma. Early attention can prevent bigger dental problems later.
Quick answer to remember
Most puppies lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months old, and the process is usually complete by about 7 months. Mild chewing and gum soreness are normal, but retained teeth, significant pain, or ongoing bleeding should be checked by a veterinarian.
If you want more puppy timing guidance, you may also find when puppies start teething and whether puppies lose their baby teeth helpful as you track your puppy’s development.